The Difference Fins Make
I’m always blown away how much difference fins can make in a board. The ability to swap fins is hands down the best thing about fin systems, but I meet people all the time who’ve only ridden one set of fins in their board. If this is you, beg, borrow or steal as many sets as you can. You might find the fins you were riding only realized half of your boards drive, speed or turnability.
I’ve blogged about 101 Fin Co’s bamboo fins tons of times and it’s because they’ve unlocked unbelievable performance in my fish. My set of 101 bamboo CI template are easily the best fins I’ve ridden in my LoxBox-ed twin Gary Hanel.
Sick Photos by Maggie Marsek. Click for larger image.
Here’s a breakdown of the fins I’ve ridden and their characteristics.
GH Lowboys (fiberglass): These are a low profile keel like template. For a tall guy like me, these fins lack drive. Lots of guys lovem though. It’s all relative. Not light, not as heavy as the CI Turbos.
CI Turbos (fiberglass): Big deep profile, with little rake. Turbo foil and I believe an exaggerated cant. Fast fins, good feel through turns as well. Heavyiest set of fins I tried.
CI 101s (bamboo): Same template as my Turbos, but without the super exagerated foil. They seem to have all the drive and speed of the turbos though. These fins have a special twang and deliver a squirt of energy 2/3rds of the way through every turn. Super lightweight. I can’t recommend these fins enough.
I’m always looking for more fins to try, so if you want to have a surf and swap for a ride on these, drop me an email. Be warned though, they don’t leave my sight. HA.
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March 13th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Well, I should be picking up my new MC Bonzer with all five fins being glassed in bamboo, from 101 Fin, this upcoming Friday.
Stoked.
Thank you Moonlight Glassing! :)
March 13th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
That setup results in the lightest bonzers. Just think how much weight fiberglass fins and plastic fin boxes add. You are stoked.
March 31st, 2008 at 11:29 pm
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November 14th, 2008 at 6:31 am
Where are you located? I will be in Encinitas from 11/29-12-5 and have a fin you may enjoy trying. I’ve been working with Curtis Hesselgrave feedback on my design and Bahne on producing the prototype. Provide contact number if interested.